Sharp turn steering apparatus for vehicles



p 1952 E. M. MGELHINNEY ET AL 2,609,216

SHARP TURN STEERING APPARATUS FOR VEHICLES Filed June 6, 1947 x 3 Sheets-Sheet l :2 a: E :2 a 2 Jm/zni'ar 27. 222. 'fizcfilhinn g 7. JET pod/589's]:

P 1952 E. M. MCELHINNEY ET AL 2,609,216

SHARP TURN STEERING APPARATUS FOR VEHICLES Filed June 6, 1947 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 p 1952 E. M. MGELHINNEY ETAL 2,609,216

SHARP TURN STEERING APPARATUS FOR VEHICLES 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed June 6, 1947 l as a] mw u m l m :1; 6 ..w

Patented Sept. 2, 1952 SHARP TURN STEERING APPARATUS,

' VEHICLES FOR Eric M. McElhinney, Dysart, and Theodore A. I

. Podhajsky, Traer, Iowa Application June 6, 1947, Serial N0.752,92 6

This invention relates to mechanism for connecting and manipulatingthe steering wheels of a vehicle in which the wheels are mounted on separate spindles, and which mechanism is so constructed that the wheels may be turned or angled on their respective spindlesto a greater extent and bycompa'ratively lesser movement of the steering element than is found in other devices that have come to our attention' While the device is applicable to various types of implements and vehicles it is particularly efficient and useful in connection with farm wagons and is here only shown in that connection.

In the use of a farm wagon for picking corn it is desirable that the wagon have a short turning radius to accomplish a sharp turn at the ends of the corn rows, corresponding to the turning movement of the tractor unit. Where a large turning radius is required, the row ends cannot be machine picked and are either left unpicked or are manually picked. Either situation is objectionable. i

Sharp turn wagons of four-wheel type now in common use are generally incapable of making a short turn commensurate with the turning radius of a usual tricycle type tractor. This is due either to the fact that the wagon steering apparatus does not provide for a substantially one hundred and eighty degree turning movement of the front wheels, or to the fact that when such turning movement is provided the wagon tongue, in a full turn position therefor, is in a forwardly inclined position relative to the wagon front axle. As a result the front wheels, during a turning movement, are often times skidded along the ground and the wagon tongue is either bent, when madeof metal, orbroken when made of wood.

It is an object of this invention, therefore, to provide an improved steering apparatus for a farm wagon. 1

Another object'of this invention is to provide a wagon capable of making sharp turns and having stability against tippingin all turned positions therefor. Y

A- further object of this invention is to provide a wagon steering apparatus of a construction such that the wagon easily trails or follows the turning movements of a tricycle type tractor.

' Yet another object of this invention is to provide a wagon steering apparatus in which the turning movement of the wagon tongue and the wagon front=wheels are maintained in a predetermined relationso as to substantially eliminate any skidding of the front wheels or injury to the wagon tongue.

Claims. (01. 280-103) A particular feature of, this invention is found in the provision of a steering apparatus for a farm wagon having pivoted front wheel spindles, in which leverspivoted onthej frontaxle and arms mounted for pivotal movementwith the spindles, are connected through a link system with a pivoted wagon tongue such that, in a full turn position, the tongue and the front wheel, which leads in the direction ofv a turn, are in positions substantially parallel with the front axle. ,1 1

Another feature of thisinvention is found in the provision vof;a steering apparatus for a wagon in which a pivoted tongue, connected through a link and lever system with pivoted front wheel spindles, is movable to ,a full turn position substantially parallel with the wagon front axle, in a lagging relation with the front wheel leading in the direction of the turn, so that such leading wheelis positioned substantially parallel to the front axle prior to, the movement of the tongue to its full turn position. A r

Further obj ects; featuresand advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: 7

Fig. 1 is a plan view of a farm wagon embodying the steering apparatus of this invention, with steering apparatus being shown in, a straight pull position therefor; I H

Fig. 2 is an enlarged sectional detail view as seen on the line 2-2 in Fig. 1; V

Fig. 3 is a plan view of the wagon in Fig. l with the steering apparatus shown in a full turn position therefor; 3

Fig. A is a plan view of the front end of the Wagon showing the steering apparatus in a changed position relative to its showing in Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged sectional detail view taken on the line 5-5 in Fig. 3;

Fig. 6 is a sectional detail view as seen on the line 6-6 in Fig. 1; I H V Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the steering apparatus of this invention; h

Fig. 8 is an enlarged sectional detail view as seen along the line 8-8 in Fig. 6; and v Fig. 9 is an enlarged sectional detail view taken along the line 99 in Fig. 8.

With reference to the drawings, the steering apparatus of this invention is illustrated in Figs. 1 and 3 in assembly relation with a wagon which includes a front axle l5 having pivotedfront wheel spindles l6 equipped with front wheels I1 and [8. A rear axle l9 isp TQvided with" fixed spindles 2| for rotatably' carrying rear- 'wheels 22 and 23. g

Extended rearwardly from the front axle I5 is a tubular reach section 26 having front axle braces 21. In turn the rear axle I9 carries a forwardly projected tubular reach section 28, which is supported in part by rear axle braces 29. The two reach sections 26 and 28 have their adjacent ends suitably connected at 3I for relative rotational movement therebetween, whereby the front wheels I1 and I8, and the rear wheels 22 and 23, are relatively movable in up and down directions to provide for a smooth travel of the wagon over uneven ground surfaces.

The front bolster 32 and the rear bolster 33 are spring supported in a like manner on their respective axles, so only the spring support of the front bolster on its axle will be described in detail. As best appears in Figs. 6, 7 and 8, the upper side of the front axle I5 is formed with a pair of longitudinally spaced cavities 34 which constitute cups for receiving the lower ends of d a pair of coil springs 36. The end coils 37 (Fig. 9) of the springs 38 are inwardly spiralled in a common plane such that their. innermost spirals 38 are adapted to engage nuts 39. for spring holding bolts 4| and 42, extended through the bolster and axle, respectively, and through the spirals 38. The top side of the front bolster is countersunk at 43 so that the heads of the bolts M are withinthe confines of the bolster. It is seen, therefor'eythat the front bolster 32 is fioatingly supported on the springs 36 for up and downmoveme'nt relative to the front axle I5.

-The front bolster 32 is maintained against movement transversely of the front axle I5 by means including a wishbone member 45 (Figs. 1 and 3) having its double ends 44 connected adjacent the opposite ends of the front bolster 32 and its single end formed withahook v46. The hook 46 is inserted through an upright support 41 carried at the rear end of the front reach section 26, to provide for an up and down pivotal movement of the wishbone member 45.

In order to hold the front bolster 32 against movement longitudinally ofthe front axle I5, there is provided a sway rod 48 of an irregular shape, having its opposite ends 56 and 49 bent in the same direction and pivotally supported adjacent opposite ends of the axle I5 and bolster 32, respectively.

For the rear bolster 33 top holding bolts for the coil springs 36 are indicated at 6| (Figs. 1 and 3), a wishbonemember'at52 and a sway rod at 53.

In the steering apparatus of this invention the front wheel spindles I6 (Figs. 5, 6 and '7 are integrally formed with upright pivots 54 which are carried at opposite ends of the front'axle I5. Rock arms or steering arms 56 are mounted on, or integrally formed with, the upright spindle pivots 54 so as to be pivotally movable with the spindles. The arms 56 are arranged to the underside of the front axle I5 and are enlarged at their fixed ends 51 to constitute supports for the front axle I5.

' A pair of levers 58 (Figs. 2, 6 and 7), of a generally U-shape,' have legs 59 at their rear ends which are pivotally extended through the front axle I5 at positions spaced inwardly and rearwardly relative to the spindle pivots 54. The levers 58 are of a length such that their front legs 6i are positioned ahead of the free ends 62 of the arms 56, when the arms and levers are projected forwardly from the front axle I5. Short links 63 arepivotally connected between the front legs 6| of the levers 58 and the free ends 62 of the arms 56.

A draft member or tongue, indicated generally as 64, is comprised of a rear section 66 and a front section 61. The rear tongue section 66 has its rear end pivotally supported at 68 for pivotal movement transversely of the wagon, between a pair of vertically spaced supports 69 (Fig. 7) which are projected forwardly from the front side of the axle I5. Arrangedori the, rear section 66, at a position forwardly of the pivot 68, is a downwardly extended pivot member II. Steering linkage including long links 12 are pivotally connected between the pivot 'II and the front legs 6I of the levers 58.

The front tongue section 61 is pivotally connected at 13-, with the front end of the rear section 66, for up and down pivotal movement. It is contemplated that the front tongue section 61 be of an extensible construction to facilitate the connection of the wagon with a tractor unit. Thus it is seen that the rear section 66 constitutes a lever memberv extended, between the pivots 68 and II, andv that the front section 6] constitutes a steering member for manipulating the. lever or rear tongue section 66 to actuate the, steering apparatus. r

In the operation of the, steering apparatus, assume the tongue. 64. to be in its straight pullposition illustrated in Fig. 1. For this position of the tongue 6.4 the levers 58 and, arms 56. are in positions. extended forwardly and outwardly from the front axle I5, with the outward; angular inclination of the arms 56, being somewhat greater than that of thelevers 58. Further, it is seen that the pivots GI, 62 and II; for each adjacent pair of links 63 and. I2, are located in a substantially straight line, as indicated at A, which lines A are inclined rearwardly from the common pivot II on the tongue rear section 6.6. As a result the, pivots 62. 61 and II, in that order, are arranged progressively forwardly from the front axle I5, with the tongue pivot 68 be: ing located rearwardly of the pivots 62;.

It is seen, therefore, that each pair of adjacent links 63 and 12 are in longitudinal alignment when the tongue 64;is in. a, straight pull position. Any turning movement of the tongue 64, is thus immediately transmitted to the arms 56v to turn or angle the wheels I1. and I8.

The tongue 64 is movable to a full turn posi-e tion against the axle I5, as illustrated for a right hand turn in Fig. 3, in which it is arranged forwardly of and in av substantially parallel relation with the axle, Ig5.

This full turn or substantially ninety degree swing of the tongue; effects a movement of the front wheel I11, which leads, in the direction of the turnyto a position in a planeinclined rearwardly and outwardly from .therear side of the axle I5. Concurrently with the movement ofthe leading wheel If! to. this position the trailing wheel I8 is movable to a position in a plane, inclined forwardly and inwardly, relative to the front side of the axle, I5. For a full turn position to the right, therefore, the leading'wheel I1; is moved through an angular turning distance which is greater than the angular turning. distance for the trailing wheel. I8,

In their relative positions for a right hand turn, the leading wheel, I"! travels on. the ground in a circle defined by the radius indicated as LR, and the trailing wheel I8 travels in a circle defined by the radius TR, withjthe radii LR and TR intersecting, at a point 05011 the axis, D, for the rear axle. I;9.- at a position spaced inwardly from the rear wheelv 22. The learwheel; 22 thus moves in a circle having a, radius, C and; the

It will be appreciated that a wagon or other vehicle equipped with only steerable front wheels will have its shortest turning radius when both the leading and trailing front wheels move in circles having equal radii which intersect on the longitudinal axis of the wagon. The closer this desideratum is approached, therefore,v the shorter is the turning radius for the wagon. In other words, .the turning radius of. the wagon is limited by the turning movement of the wheel which has the largest circle or are of travel. As seen in Fig. 3, the trailing wheel l8 moves through the largest arc of travel and thus defines the turning radius of the wagon. By having the intersection point approaching the longitudinal axis of the wagon, this turning radius is appreciably shortened relative to short turn wagons now in common use.

When the tongue 64 is in a full turn position '(Fig. 3), the long links 12 are insubstantial longitudinal alignment in positions substantially parallel with the tongue, and the arm 56and,

lever 58, corresponding to the trailing wheel l8, are in a substantially parallel-relation. As a result, any further turning movement of the tongue 64 would move the links I2 toward the trailing wheel I8 whereby the wheels I! and I 8 would be moved out of the direction of the turn. Any locking of the leading wheel I! with the rear side of the-front axle I is thus eliminated.'

When attempting to accomplish a sharp turn, in other devices that have come to our attention, a bending or breaking of the wagon tongue, and a skidding of the front wheels generally occurs because of the fact that the tongue is not movable to' a full turn' position, substantially parallel with the front axle and reaches a full turn position therefor when the leading wheel 'is substantially parallel with the front axle.

Stated otherwise, the leading wheel is in a full turn position when the tongue is in a forwardly and outwardly inclined position relative to the front axle. A continued turning pull on the tongue, tending to move the tongue parallel with the front axle, thus acts to bend the tongue about its pivotal supportand applies a rearward push on the wagon.

In the present invention, and as illustrated in Fig. 4, the leading wheel I! is in a plane substantially parallel to the front axle [5 when the tongue is in a moved position inclined forwardly and outwardly from the axle I5 in the direction of the turn. A relatively sharp turn of the wagon is thus effected before the tongue 64 reaches its full turn position. On a continued movement of the tongue 64 to the full turn position therefor, shown in Fig. 3, the leading wheel I! is inclined rearwardly and outwardly relative to the axle I5 to further decrease the turning radius. As a result of this leading movement of the wheel I! relative to the tongue 64, a sharp turn is quickly and easily made with substantial elimination of any bending action on the tongue or skidding of the front wheels. A sharp turn is further facilitated by virtue of the relative construction and arrangement of the arms 56, levers 58 and links 63 and I2 to provide for a faster rate of movement of the leading Wheel [1, relative to the trailing wheel l8, through a greater turning movement.

It will be understood, of course, that the operation of'the steering apparatus for a left hand turn is the .sa'me as that described above for a, right hand turn.

In oneembodiment of the invention the center to center distance between the spindle pivots 54 is about five feet and one inch; the center distance between a spindle pivot 54 and a lever pivot 59 'aboutseven inches; the distance between a center line through the. spindle pivots 54 and the tongue pivot 68 about six and 0nequarter inches; and the center distance between the pivots 68 and II about seven and threequarter inches. The length of the levers 58, between their pivots 59 and 6| is about eleven inches, and the length of the arms 56 between the spindle pivots 54 and the pivots for the short links 63 is about seven and one-half inches. In this embodiment the short links and long links 63 and 12 between their pivots are eight and onequarter inches long and two feet one and onequarter inches long, respectively.

When the tongue 64 is in a straight pull position therefor the levers 58 are inclined outwardly from the longitudinal axis of the front axle IE5 at angles of eighty-six degrees, and the arms 55 at angles of seventy-seven degrees.

vFrom a consideration of the above description, it is seen-that the invention provides a steering apparatus for a wagon which is of a simple and compact construction, and capable of providing a short turning radius for the wagon without bending or breaking the wagon tongue, or skidding the wagon front wheels. The front wheels are immediately movable in response to a turning movement of the wagon tongue, from a straight pull position therefor, and the leading wheel, in the direction of a turn, is moved in a predetermined relation relative to the movement of the tongue, such that it is in a plane substantiallyparallel with the front axle prior to the movement of the tongue to its full turn position.

I Although the invention has been described with respect to a preferred embodiment thereof, it is to be understood that it is not to be so limited since changes and modifications can be made therein which are within the full intended scope of this invention, as defined by the appended claims.

We claim:

1. A steering apparatus for a vehicle comprising a front axle provided with a pair of spindle pivots, each of said pivotshaving a front wheel spindle integraltherewith, arm members rigidly connected to said spindle pivots for pivotal movement therewith, a draft member, means on said axle pivotally supporting said draft member at a spaced position forwardly of said axle, a single pivot on said draft member at a position forwardly of the pivotal supporting means therefor, a pair of forwardly extended levers pivoted adjacent opposite ends of said axle, first links pivotally connected to the free ends of said arms and levers, and second links pivotally connected to the free ends of said levers and said single pivot, with the pivotal supporting means for said draft member being located rearwardly of the pivotal connections of the first and second links with the levers.

2. A steering apparatus for a vehicle comprising a front axle provided with a pair of spindle pivots, each of said pivots having a front wheel spindle extending rigidly therefrom,

arms.

mounted on said spindle pivots for pivotal movement therewith, a pair oflevers each of which has its rear end pivotally supported on said axle at a position spaced inwardly and rear wardly relative to a corresponding spindle pivot, a draft member pivoted adjacent its rear end on said axle, a pivot means on said draft member located forwardly from its rear end, first links pivotally connected to the free ends of said arms and said levers, and second links pivotally connected to the free ends ofv said leversand said pivot means, said pivot means, when the draft member is in a straight pull position, being in a position forwardly of the link con.- nections with said levers, said last mentioned connections in a position forwardly of. the con-. nections of said arms with said first links, and the rear end pivot, for the, draft member in a position rearwardly of the first link connections with said arms, with said arms and levers being relatively constructed and arranged suchthat said draft member is movable in either direction from a straight pull position therefor to a position substantially parallel with said front axle to provide for a concurrent movement of. the front wheel, leading in the direction of the turn, to a position at the rear side of the. axle and-in a plane substantially parallel to the axle.

3. A steering apparatusfor a vehicle comprising a front axle with spindle pivots onopposite end portions thereof, wheel spindles extending from said pivots, forwardlyextendedarm members carried on said spindle pivots for pivotal movement therewith, apairof corresponding lever members each pivotally. supported. at its rear end on said axle atza position spaced inward-v ly from a corresponding spindle, a. third levermember pivoted at itssrear endon said axleat. a

position intermediate said pair ofv lever. mem-.

bers, a first pair of link members each pivotally connected to an arm member andito'the. lever member corresponding thereto, a second pair of link members each pivotally connected to one.

of said lever members. and having a common pivotal connection with said third lever memher, with the pivot for the rear. endofsaid third member being located rearwardly of. the. front ends of said arm members, and asteering member operativelyconnected with one of said lever members.

4. A steering apparatus for a vehicle comprising a front axle with spindle pivots at its opposite ends, a front wheel spindle extending rigidly from each of said pivots, arms carried on said spindle pivots for pivotal movement; therewith, a pair of levers. pivotally supported at their ends on said axle inwardly from the. pivots for the respective spindles, with said lev ers being arcuately swingable in a horizontal plane and having their free ends. located for-.

wardly of the free ends of said arms, a draft member pivoted at its rear end on said axle, a pivot member on said draft member, a first pair of links each of which is pivotally connected to the free ends of a corresponding arm and lever, and a second pair of links each of which is pivotally connected to the free end of a corresponding lever and to said pivot member at a position forwardly of said levers, with each correspond ing pair of first and second links forming complementary angles of substantially with a corresponding lever, when the draft member is in a straight pull position therefor, so that when. the draft member is in a moved position generally parallel with said front axle, said second pair of links are in substantially longitudinally aligned positions parallel with said draft member.

5'. A vehicle forecarriage comprising an axle, ground wheel spindles journaled vertically in the ends of said axle and having laterally extending actuating arms, a steering member pivoted to the axle centrally between the arms and connected to the arms by respective pairsv of links, the links of each pair being joined by pivot connections, levers corresponding to said pairs of links connecting said pivot connections rearwardly to the axle, with said levers being arcuately swingable in a horizontal plane, and a pivot connection on said steering member for pivotally connecting together the inner ends of said pairs oflinks, with the pivot connection joining each pair of links being spaced farther from the axle than the outer ends of said pair of links; the pivot connection for the inner ends of said pairs of links being spaced farther from the axle than the corresponding pivot connection joining each pair of links, and with each pair of links forming complementary angles of substantially 180 with a corresponding lever, when said wheel spindles are in longitudinal alignment with said axle.

ERIC M. McELI-IINNEY. THEODORE A. PODI-IAJSKY.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES" PATENTS Number Name Date 1,846,651 Orelind Feb. 23, 1932 2,095,566 Lundelius et al. Oct. 12, 1937 2,122,924 Ammen et al. July 5, 1938 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 55,400 Denmark Oct. 31, 1938 64,380 Denmark Mar. 18, 1946 

